Wire and tape laying machine employing oscillatory trenching blade and oscillatory feed device

ABSTRACT

A self-propelled machine has a pair of main arms pivotally mounted at their upper ends and eccentric means for oscillating these arms forwardly and rearwardly as the machine traverses the ground. A cross member extends between the lower ends of the arms and supports a blade having a knife edge for cutting a slit or trench in the ground so that the blade is oscillated directly by the main arms and through the same angle as these arms. A pair of auxiliary arms are oscillated at a lesser amplitude than the main arms, the auxiliary arms also having a cross member extending between the lower ends thereof. The last-mentioned cross member supports a feed device. In one form, the device feeds a flexible wire to be embedded in the ground. In a somewhat modified form, the device feeds a flexible tape.

United States Patent 11 1 Kaercher, 31'.

1111 3,757,529 14 1 Sept. 11,1973

[75] Inventor: William C. Kaercher,Ir.,

Minneapolis. Minn.

[73] Assignee: Jacob sen Manufacturing Company;

Minneapolis, Minn.

[22] Filed: Apr. 4, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 241,000

Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Att rneyStuart R. Peterson [5 7] ABSTRACTA self-propelled machine has a pair of main arms pivotally mounted attheir upper ends and eccentric means for oscillating these armsforwardly and rearwardly as the machine traverses the ground. A crossmember extends between the lower ends of the arms and supports a bladehaving a knife edge for cutting a slit or trench in the ground so thatthe blade is oscillated directly by the main arms and through the sameangle as these arms. A pair of auxiliary arms are oscillated at a lesseramplitude than the main arms, the auxiliary arms also having a crossmember extending between the lower ends thereof. The last-mentionedcross member supports a feed device. In one form, the device feeds aflexible wire to be embedded in the ground. In a somewhat modified form,the device feeds a flexible tape.

15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures WIRE AND TAPE LAYING MACHINE EMPLOYINGOSCILLATORY TRENCIIWG BLADE AND OSCILLATORY FEED DEVICE BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generallyto apparatus for embedding elongated flexible elements of indefinitelength beneath the ground, and pertains more particularly to a machinein which the trench-cutting blade oscillates at one amplitude and atrailing device for feeding the flexible element oscillates at a lesseramplitude.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various machines have been devised forburying flexible elements, such as flexible tubing or piping, wire orcable, and also tape. These machines can be divided into two basicclassifications. The first type is illustrated in my U.S. Pat. No.3,363,424, granted Jan. 16, 1968 for MACHINE FOR BURYING FLEXIBLE PIPESAND THE LIKE" and my U.S. Pat. No. 3,371,495, granted Mar. 5, 1968 forCONDUIT EM- BEDDING MACHINE. As far as this type of machine isconcerned, the elongated flexible element is pulled into the ground asthe machine advances over the surface of the ground. v

In the second classification, the elongated element is fed either from asupply reel on the machine or from a stretch of the elongated elementthat has been placed along the grounds surface. Usually, in this lattercategory, the element is fed downwardly through the blade or plow whichis cutting the trench. Of course, this requires a relatively thick bladein order to accommodate the element as it passes downwardlytherethrough.

Where the blade oscillates, as far as the second type is concerned, thena problem ensues with respect to traction wheel slippage causing themachine to temporarily stop. The problem stems from the fact that theoscillatory blade continues to oscillate while the machine is stationarywith the consequence that the wire or otherelongated element isrepeatedly flexed back and forth, thereby causing either actualbreakage, weakening, or reduction of electrical properties.

Where the blade does not oscillate, still describing the second generaltype, then considerably more power is needed to advance the machine andto simultaneously feed the elongated element into the trench or slitformed by the non-oscillatory blade or plow. This results in theequipment becoming rather massive, cumbersome and less maneuverable.Where these shortcomings are not objectionable, apparatus utilizing anon-oscillatory plow have been used, particularly where the cableor pipeis to be buried at an appreciable depth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is toprovide a machine for laying flexible elements of indefinite length thatis compact and which will require a minimal amount of power. Morespecifically, it is planned that a blade be utilized that oscillates ata relatively great amplitude, say, on the order of two inches, and atrailing feed device that oscillates at a considerably reducedamplitude, say, from one-quarter to one-half inch. Owing to the lesseramplitude of the trailing device, when the machine stops for any reasonthe trenchforming blade continues to oscillate at its relatively largeamplitude but the trailing device oscillates at only of elongatedflexible elements, it being within the contemplation of the invention touse a basic feed device with auxiliary attachments which will enable theoperator to lay wire, flexible tubing or other element possessing agenerally circular or oval cross section in one instance, or via achange in certain parts constituting the feed device to lay flexibletape or ribbon having a generally flat configuration. It will beappreciated that flexible tape with warning information thereon isfrequently used to denote theneamess of an embedded element, therebycautioning workers in the area to be careful so they donot inadvertentlydig up the embedded element. Flexible tape with metallic properties isalso buried shallow over or near embedded elements in order to aidelectromagnetic detection equipment in locating buried cable or conduit.

' Yet another object is to provide amachine for burying elongatedflexible elements involving a dual oscillatory motion, there being onefor the blade and one for the feed device, without adversely affectingthe maneuverability of the machine. More specifically, the feed deviceis mounted so thatit will swivel as the machine advances along theground.

A further object is to permit feeding of an elongated flexible elementthat has been previously laid along the grounds surface or to feed anelongated flexible element from a reel carried on the machine.

Still another object is to minimize the load or pressure applied to thetrailing feed device. More specifically, the feed device can beconstructed or fabricated from sheet metal, whereas the trench-formingblade can be of solid steel. having a thick cross section and thus quiterugged. In this way, the blade, which is subjected to relatively highimpact loads, precedes the more fragile feeding device and therebyprotects the feed device as the elongated element is being laid in theground. Accordingly, by using this arrangement the feed device can behollow to permit its function and can be manufactured at a lower costand also rendered more versatile as far as its functioning is concerned.

Briefly, my invention envisages the employment of a blade thatoscillates forwardly and rearwardly at one amplitude. A feed devicetrails the blades and oscillates at a considerably lesser amplitude.Consequently, when the machine stops for any reason, such as slippage ofthe traction wheels, the lesser oscillatory amplitude of the feeddevice, coupled with certain clearance, does not damage the elongatedelement being embedded. The feed device is constructed so as toaccommodate wire, for example, in one instance, or a flexible tape, asan example, in another instance, only a few interchangeable parts beingrequired to convert the machine for one type of element or the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational viewexemplifying a basic form of my invention, the trench-forming bladebeing raised and the feed device being in readiness for receivingcertain parts enabling the machine to embed wire in one case or certainparts enabling the machine to lay a flexible tape in a second instance;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view corresponding to FIG. 1 but with theblade and feed device extending into the ground as they would whenlaying or embedding an elongated flexible element, although the feeddevice still lacks the parts missing in FIG. ll;

FIG. 3 is a sectional detail taken in the direction of line 3-3 of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view corresponding generally to FIG. 2 butillustrating the feed device fully assembled for laying a flexible wire;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the feed device in the formdepicted in FIG. 4 but with portions of the needle chute broken away inorder to show to better advantage how the wire is fed downwardly intothe trench that has been formed by the preceding blade (omitted fromthis view);

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken in the direction of line6--6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 4 but with the feeddevice modified for laying a flexible tape, and

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 but with the feed devicemodified as in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,the machine exemplifying my invention has been denoted generally by thereference numeral 10. The machine 10 comprises a frame or chassis 12having a rearwardly and upwardly inclining control handle 14 with handgrips at 15.

Toward the front of the machine on the chassis I2 is a power means inthe form of a gasoline engine 16. At one side of the engine 16 is adrive pulley 18 about which is entrained a flexible belt 20, the belt 20passing over an idler pulley 22 and then encircling adriven pulley 24.The driven pulley 24 is mounted on a horizontal shaft 26.

In its preferred embodiment, the machine It) is selfpropelled and forthis purpose a gear train is connected between the shaft 26, beingcontained within. a casing 27. Thus, although the gear train is notillustrated, it will be understood that it extends downwardly to a frontwheel shaft 28. The manner in which the machine 10 is driven via thegear mechanism in the housing 27 can be the same as depicted in mypreviously mentioned US. Pat. No. 3,371,495. However, it need only byappreciated that the shaft 28 is driven from the engine 16 through theconcealed gear train. By suitably selecting gear ratios, the tractionwheels 30 at the front of the chassis 12 can be rotated at a suitablylow speed. A clutch or beIt-tensioning device may be employed todisengage the drive from the engine, being operated by a lever 31.Levers 32 having actuating rods 34 extending downwardly therefrom to theunpictured wheel clutches can be used to differentially disengage thedrive to the wheels 30. This aids in steering and maneuvering themachine 10. Additional wheels of the castertype have been assigned thereference numeral 36, these wheels being generally beneath the handgrips 15 of the rearwardly extending control handle 24.

The machine 10 further includes a swingable or oscillatory U-frame orcarrier indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The frame orcarrier 40 comprises a pair of what will be termed main arms 42 that arepivotally suspended from a transverse shaft dd. It will be understoodthat the shaft 44 is positionable within arcuate slots 46 in sideportions of the chassis I2, there being a lifting lever 68 via which theshaft 44 can be shifted forwardly or rearwardly. When properlypositioned, a locking lever 59 is tightened so as to hold the shaft 44in its shifted position.

Each of the arms 62 is formed with an elongated vertical slot 52providing parallel walls to which a pair of cam blocks 54 are attached,there being one pair of such blocks 54 for each arm 42. An eccentricbearing assembly 56 is mounted on each end of the shaft 26. In this way,when the eccentric bearing assembly 56 is located between the cam blocks54, then the arms d2 are oscillated forwardly and rearwardly. Thisrelationship prevails when the arms d2 are lowered into the positionillustrated in FIG. 2 (and also FIGS. 4 and 7), this being when theshaft 44 is at the lower or rear ends of the arcuate slots 46. When theshaft is raised so that the shaft resides at the upper or forward endsof the slots 46, then the condition appearing in FIG. 1 prevails. FromFIG. I, it will be appreciated that the eccentric bearing assembly 56when spaced beneath the cam blocks 54 becomes ineffectual in that itdoes not act against the blocks 54 under these circumstances tooscillate the arms 42. The arms 42, it might be pointed out, ride overpins (not shown) when the arms are raised from the position depicted inFIG. 2 to that illustrated in FIG. 1, thereby maintaining the spacedrelation of the assembly 56 appearing in FIG. 1 with respect to thesides of the slot 52. The alluded to oscillatory drive is furtherexplained in the already identified two Kaercher patents.

As best discerned from FIGS. 4 and 7, a cross bar or plate 58 extendsbetween the lower ends of the arms 42. The bar or plate 58 hasdetachably fastened thereto a vertically disposed blade 60 having aforward knife edge 52 and a body portion 64. The edge 62 cuts throughthe ground and performs a wedging action so that the body 64, which isrelatively thick, can move forwardly through the ground in cutting theslit or trench referred to more fully hereinafter.

Playing an extremely important role in the practicing of the presentinvention is a pair of auxiliary arms 66. It is to be noted that theupper ends of the auxiliary arms 6d are not pivotally mounted on theshaft 44 as is the case of the main arms 42; instead, there is a pin 68at each side of the machine 10 which is mounted in a lug 7t) integralwith each main arm 42. Although indicated in dotted outline in FIGS. 1and 2, the channeled shape configuration of the lower portions of theauxiliary arms 66 can be better seen in FIG. 3 and at the right in FIGS.4 and 7. The groove extending downwardly throughout the lower portion ofeach arm 66 has been identified by the reference numeral 72.

A transverse rod 74, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, extends betweenparallel portions of the chassis l2, projecting laterally therefrom. Thecentral portion of the rod 74 serves as a mounting means for thepreviously mentioned control handle 14. However, it is the projectingends of the rod 74 that are of concern at the present moment. From FIG.3 it will be seen that there is acollar 76 formed near the ends of therod 74, the ends themselves being labeled 78 and constituting pivot pinswhich project into the groove 72. While not shown in FIG. 3, it will beappreciated that a suitable bearing can be mounted on each pin or end 78if circumstances so dictate.

In much the same manner as the plate orbar 58 extends between the lowerends of the main arms 42, a member in the form of a bar or rod 80extends between the lower ends of the auxiliary arms 66. While it willbecome clearer when considering the operation of my machine 11),nonetheless at this stage it should be obvious that the auxiliary arms66 are oscillated by the main arms 42 through the agency of the pins 68so that the auxiliary arms 66 are pivoted about the rod ends 78 to causethe cross bar or rod 80 to oscillate back and forth at an amplitudeconsiderably less than that of the cross bar or plate 58.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, there is a tubularsleeve 32 welded at 84 so asto assume a generally vertical relation. The purpose of this sleeve 82is explained below.

At this time, attention is directed to what will be termed a feed deviceor needle assembly 86. It has a clevis 88 at its upper end. By means ofa pin 90, the feed device or needle assembly 86 is mounted for swivelmovement about a generally vertical axis provided by the sleeve 82, theclevis 88 and the connecting pin 90.

The device or assembly 86 further includes a sheet metal chute 92reversely bent so as to provide a pair of side walls 94, a connectingcurved front wall or bight 95, and a slot or channel 96 between thewalls 94 via which the yet to be described elongated flexible element tobe embedded in the ground is fed. There are aligned upper holes' at 98in the side walls 94 and aligned inclined slots or notches 100 in thelower portion of the side walls 94. By reason of limit stops at 102, theangle through which the chute 92 can swivel is restricted about degreesto either side of a central position. I

A wire guide 164, as can be observed in H6. 5, has a straight shankportion 106, the upper end of the guide 104 being curved at 1118 and thelower ends thereof curved at 110. Welded near the beginning of thecurved upper end 108 is a transverse tubular sleeve 1 12 forming an eyewhich accommodates a pin 114 insertable through the upper holes 98 inthe side walls 94. A horizontal pin 116 is welded near the lower curvedend 1 10 so as to be receivable in the inclined slots 1110 contained inthe side walls 94. Consequently, all that need be done to remove thewire guide 104 is to take out the pin 114, thus enabling the user toswing the upper curved end 103 rearwardly out of the slot or channel 96and then by simply raising the wire guide 104 the bottom transverse pin116 can be removed from the inclined slots 100.

Although appearing in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inclusion of a pair of wireeyes 118 and 120 can best be understood from what is set forth in FIGS.4 and 7, these eyes 118, 120 projecting laterally to the left; a similarpair may extend from the right. Also, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 7,there are two guide pulleys 122, one being disposed at the left and theother at the right, the right pulley 122 being used when there are eyes118, 120 at the right and are selected for use. A center pulley 124 ismounted on a shaft 126 serving a dual purpose as will hereinafter bemade manifest.

At this time, attention is directed to an elongated flexible element inthe form of a wire 128. As sometimes happens during winter weather, theground becomes too frozen to permit the embedding of the wire 128 and itis simply laid along the surface of the ground, connected and then putin service while above ground. Under these circumstances at a later datewhen the ground is not frozen, the wire 128 is inserted in the eyes 118and so that the machine 10 literally eats the wire as it moves along theground in the performance of its embedding function. This can be donewithout disconnecting the wire or interrupting the service, this beingan important feature of this invention. A laterally extending shaft 1130enables the wire 128 to be contained on a reel 132. A similar shaft 130can project from the right side of the chassis 12 as well. Inasmuch asthe reel 132 can be of conventional construction, it need be only shownin phantom outline, which has been done in FIGS. 1 and 2. It will beunderstood that the wire 128 can be laid on the surface of the ground orcontained on the reel 132. In either event, it passes about theparticular guide pulley 122 at either the left or right depending uponthe side of the machine 10 where the wire 128 is located. It then isangled so as to pass about a segment of the center pulley 124 and inthis way deflect it downwardly into the feed device or needle assembly86 when containing the removable wire guide 104. Clearance at 134between the wire 128 and curved wall 95 additionally assures that damageto the wire 128 will not develope. Consequently, the feed device orneedle assembly 86 with the wire guide 104 installed therein constitutesone form of feeding device.

1n order to demonstrate the versatility of my machine 10, a reel offlexible tape 142 has been pictured in FIG.'7, the tape 142 being drawnfrom the reel 140 through a pair of guide fingers 144. The tape 142contains a warning message thereon which instructs any person digging inthe area to recognize that there is an embedded cable, wire or pipegenerally below but in any event in the proximity of the tape.

Owing to the different characteristics of the tape 142 in contrast tothe wire 128, there is employed a moditied feeddevice or needleassembly86a comprising an auxiliary or second chute 146 having side panels 148forming a slot or channel 150 therebetween. The auxiliary chute 146 hasa pair of holes corresponding to the holes 98 in the side walls 94 ofthe casing 92. Thus, the same pin 1 14 is used to hold the upper end ofthe auxiliary chute 146 in place.

Within the slot or channel 150 of the auxiliary chute 146 is a tapeguide 152. This tape guide 152 is in the form of a rod and the rod issimply welded in place so as to become a permanent part of the chute146. The guide 152 has a transverse pin 154 integral with the lower endthereof, this transverse pin 154 projecting laterally into the inclinedslots 1110. Just above the transverse pin 154 is a forwardly andupwardly sloping portion 156 of the guide 152, this being used for thedeflection of the flexible tape 142 from a generally vertical directionwhich it assumes when being pulled from the reel 140 into an on edgehorizontal position which it assumes when being laid in the ground, thechanged direction being clearly shown in the lower portion of FIG. 8.

OPERATION it will be recognized that the shaft 44 is manually movedforwardly through the agency of the lifting lever 48 to the position inwhich it appears in FIG. 1. This raises the blade 60 and also the chute92 as indicated in FIG. 1. Thus, the chute 92 of the feed device orneedle assembly 86 is accessible.

Assuming that a wire 128 constitutes the elongated flexible element tobe embedded, then a section of this wire is placed in the slot orchannel 96 of the chute 92. This is done prior to inserting the wireguide 104. After the wire has been placed in the slot or channel 96,then the bottom pin 116 on the wire guide 104 is inserted in theinclined slots 100 and the wire guide 104 pivoted forwardly so that thetubular sleeve 112 adjacent its upper end is in alignment or registrywith the holes 98 of the casing 92. When so aligned, the pin 114 can beinserted through the casing 92 by way of the holes 98 and through thetubular sleeve 112 so that the wire guide 104 is held within the slot orchannel 96. As can be appreciated from FIG. and also from FIG. 6 of thewire 128 is held captive, although from FIG. 6 it will be seen thatthere is a sufficient amount of clearance between the wire guide 104 andthe closed end of the slot or channel 96 so that the wire 128 can movefreely downwardly. The wire guide 104 simply prevents the wire 128 frommoving rearwardly out of the slot or channel 96. This arrangementconstitutes the feed device or needle assembly 86 in contradistinctionto the device or assembly 86a for laying the tape 142.

The foregoing procedure is followed irrespective of whether the wire 128is laid along the surface of the ground or iswound on a supply reel 132.If laid along the surface of the ground, such as when the ground isfrozen, then it is simply raised and passed through the eyes 118 and120, the eyes 118, 120 having access openings for accommodating the wire128.

The machine 10 is now in readiness for embedding the wire 128. Thus,with the engine 16 running, the operator by means of the hand grips tipsthe machine forwardly to raise the wheels 36 from the ground 160,thereby causing the front bumper 170 to rest on the ground. With themachine on its nose, the lifting lever 48 is pulled rearwardlyto theposition in. which it appears in FIG. 2 and the locking lever 50tightened. The lever 31 is then operated to cause the idler 22 totighten the belt 20. The arms 42 then oscillate by reason of theassembly 56 being rotated in that the shaft 26 is now rotating. it willbe appreciated that there is an eccentric bearing assembly 56 on eachside, and that there are two cam blocks 54 on each arm 42. Consequently,the eccentricity developed by the bearing assembly 56 forces the arms 42forwardly and rearwardly, thereby oscillating the blade 60 carried onthe cross bar 58. It will be borne in mind that the shaft 44 serves asan axis about which the airms 42 swing. Thus, the travel of the blade 60is magnified by virtue'of the moment arm produced by reason of thelocation where the eccentric bearing assembly 56 acts against the camblocks 54. In actual practice, the blade 60 oscillates with an amplitudeon the order of two inches. The operator now rocks the machine 10 backso that the wheels 36 again engage the ground 160, the blade 60 slicinginto the ground as this is done. Actuation of the clutch levers 32 causethe wheels 30 to rotate and the machine 10 to start its advancement overthe ground 160.

Simultaneously with the oscillatory motion imparted to the blade 60 is areduced oscillatory motion transmitted to the feed device or needleassembly 86. It will be recalled that the device or assembly 86 iscarried on the cross bar or rod 80 disposed at the lower ends of theauxiliary arms 66. The channeled configuration of the lower portions ofthe auxiliary arms 66 permit the arms 66 to move upwardly and downwardlywhen the lift handle 48 is actuated, the groove '72 in each auxiliaryarm 66 enabling the arms to move even though the ends 78 of thetransverse rod 74 project thereinto.

However, when the auxiliary arms 66 are oscillating, the ends 78function as pivot points about which the auxiliary arms 66 oscillate.The upper ends of the auxiliary arms 66 are attached to the main arms 42through the pins 68. Owing to the relatively short distance between theshaft 44 and the respective pins 68, the upper ends of the auxiliaryarms 66 are swung back and forth only a small distance. This results ina lesser amplitude of swing imparted to the lower ends of the auxiliaryarms 66 which carry the cross bar 80 and which also support the feeddevice or needle assembly 86.

Hence, a trench or slot labeled 162 is cut by the oscillating blade 60as the machine 10 is advanced across the ground 160. The thickness ofthe blade 60 is sufficient so as to produce a slit or trench 162 wideenough for the passage of the feed device or needle assembly 86. Statedsomewhat differently, the device or assembly 86 constitutes anoscillatory mechanism that feeds the wire 128 in increments due to theforward stroke of the assembly 86. Each time that the assembly 86 movesforwardly, the wire guide 104 acts against the particular section of thewire 128 contained in the slot or channel 96 of the chute 02 to pull anew portion of the wire 128 downwardly. The rearward travel of thedevice or assembly 86 simply permits relative movement thereof withrespect to the wire 128.

Should the traction wheels 30 slip, then the lesser amplitude throughwhich the feed device or needle assembly moves, being approximately 1/10th or l/20th that of the amplitude of the blade 60, is so minimal thatthe wire 128, helped by the clearance 134, is not flexed objectionablyby the oscillatory movement of the feed device or needle assembly 86. Ifit should be recognized and remembered that the actual movement oramplitude is only on the order of from one-quarter to onehalf inchwhereas the amplitude of movement of the blade 60 is approximately 2inches. This decreased amplitude plus the clearance at 134 insuresagainst the wire becoming damaged when the machine 10 stalls, as whenslippage of the wheels 30 occurs. Yet the reduced oscillatory travel issufficient to minimize the power, the load on the feed device or needleassembly 86 being appreciably lessened by reason of the slightoscillatory motion imparted thereto. This is particularly advantageouswhen laying wire or any other elongated flexible element in loose orsandy soil where the soil tends to refill the trench or slit 162 afterit has been formed by the leading blade 60.

When the flexible tape 142 is to be buried, then the center pulley 124is removed and the reel placed on the shaft 126. The tape 142 isthreaded downwardly between the guide fingers 144.

it will be appreciated that the wire guide 104 is replaced with theauxiliary chute 146 to modify the feed device or needle assembly to whathas previously been referred to as 86a. In other words, the feed deviceis changed by reason of the substitution of the auxiliary chute 146 forthe wire guide 104. The auxiliary chute 146 has the transverse pin 154which is merely inserted in the inclined slots 101) and by reason of theholes (not shown) in the side panels 148, the previously used pin 1 14can be again employed to retain the auxiliary chute 146 in place.

Before actually applying the auxiliary chute 146 to the chute 92 in theforegoing manner, the flexible tape 142 may be further threaded downbetween the side panels 148 of the chute and then deflected-about thesloping portion 156 of the guide rod 152. The guide rod 152, owing tothe sloping portion 156, deflects the tape 142 from a substantiallyvertical direction into the horizontal direction that it assumes in FIG.7. Although the trench or slot 162 is virtually the ,same in FIG. 7,inasmuch as it is intended to contain the tape 142, it has been giventhe reference numeral 162a in FIG. 7. The function of the side panels148 is to protect the tape 142 from trash and other debris atthe'surface of the ground that would otherwise be apt. to interfere withthe laying of the tape 142 as it is pulled from the superimposed reel 130.

Although believed obvious, the tape 142 can have virtually any warninginformation printed thereon which will admonish anyone starting to digin the vicinity of a buried cable, pipe or wire that there is theparticular flexible elongated element buried there. The detection typetape by reason of the metal therein will also aid in the use ofelectronic detectors for locating the buried elements. The tape 142 canbe emplaced to either side of the embedded elongated element or twotapes 142 can be buried, one spaced to each side. On the other hand, ifthe embedded element is deep enough, then the machine 10 when modifiedfor embedding the tape 142 can pass directly over the buried item, thisusually being done after a refilling of the trench in which the elementis buried or after the trench has been at least partially refilled. Thisassures that the tape 142 does not gravitationally drop beneath adesired depth. 1

While it will be appreciated that the horsepower rating of the engine 16is partially responsible for the depth at which an elongated element canbe laid, whether it be the wire 128 or tape 142, it can be stated thatin actual practice the machine 10 usually lays the elongated element ata depth of approximately 10 inches. When the blade 61) is longer thanthis, then the horsepower must be increased to overcome the increase inresistance created by the added soil that must be passed through.

In any event, the reduced amplitude of the feed device, whether it bethe assembly 86 (plus the clearance 134 when containing the wire guide104) or the assembly 86a (when containing the auxiliary chute 146),makes it such that no damage is done to the elongated element if themachine 10 stops. This is particularly desirable when the elongatedelement constitutes a wire or cable, or even a plastic pipe, where thecontinued flexing would be likely to cause breakage, or at least somefatigue, of the metal or plastic constituting the flexible elongatedelement.

I claim:

1. A machine for burying an elongated flexible element of indefinitelength beneath the ground, the machine comprising a wheeled frame, ablade member extending downwardly from said frame, means for oscillatingsaid blade member with respect to the frame to cut a trench in theground as said frame advances thereover, said means for oscillating saidblade member including a pair of side arms pivotally supported adjacenttheir upper ends on a transverse axis provided by said wheeled frame, adevice also extending downwardly from said frame in a trailing relationbehind said blade member via which the elongated element to be buried isfed, and means for also oscillating said feed device as said wheeledframe advances across the ground, said means for oscillating said feeddevice being connected to said arms at a location near said axis toprovide a lesser oscillatory amplitude than that of said blade member assaid blade member and feed device oscillate forwardly and rearwardly.

2. The machine defined in claim 1 in which said means for oscillatingsaid feed device includes a pair of auxiliary arms, each auxiliary armbeing pivotally connected at its upper end to one of the main arms.

3. The machine defined in claim 2 in which portions of said auxiliaryarms are channel-shaped, and a horizontal pin on each side of the frameprojecting into each channeled portion at a location intermediate theupper ends of said auxiliary arms and the lower ends thereof about whichsaid auxiliary arms are oscillated.

4. The machine defined in claim 2 in which said feed device includes achute having a rearwardly directed slot, and a guide member removablydisposed in said slot for deflecting the elongated element to be burieddownwardly and then horizontally into the trench formed by said blademember.

5. The machine defined inclaim 4 in which the sides of said chute havehorizontally aligned upper holes and horizontally aligned lower inclinedslots or notches, said guide member having an upper eye and a lowerlaterally projecting pin attached thereto, said feed device furtherincluding a removable pin insertable through said upper holes and saideye when said lower pin is received in said slots or notches.

6. The machine defined in claim 5 in which the lower end of said guidemember is curved for deflecting said elongated elementfrom a generallyvertical direction into a generally horizontal direction in the trenchformed by said blade member.

7. The machine defined in claim 2 in which said feed device includes amain chute having a rearwardly directed slot, an auxiliary chuteremovably disposed in said slot having aguide member therein fordeflecting the elongated element to be buried downwardly into the trenchformed by said blade member.

8. The machine defined in claim 7 in which the sides of said main chutehave aligned upper holes and horizontally aligned lower inclined slotsor notches, said auxiliary chute having side panels containing upperholes alignable with the upper holes of said main chute, a removable pininsertable through the holes of said main chute and the holes of saidauxiliary chute, a rod member fixedly contained in said auxiliary chutehaving its lower end projecting beneath the sides of said auxiliarychute, and a laterally projecting pin on the lower end of said rodmember receivable in said slots or notches.

9. The machine defined in claim 8 in which said rod member has a slopingportion for deflecting said. elongated member from a generally verticaldirection into a generally horizontal direction in the trench formed bysaid blade member. v

10. A machine for burying an elongated flexible element of indefinitelength-beneath the ground, the machine comprising a wheeled frame, firstoscillating means, a blade member extending downwardly from said firstoscillating means, second oscillating means, and a feed device alsoextending downwardly from said said second oscillating means in atrailing relation behind said blade member, said first and secondoscillating means being mounted for oscillation about spaced transverseaxes, means connecting said second oscillating means to said firstoscillating means at a location nearer the transverse axis about whichsaid first oscillating means oscillates than the transverse axis aboutwhich said second oscillating means oscillates, said device including achute and guide means in said chute for deflecting the flexible elementfrom a generally vertical direction into a generally horizontaldirection.

11. The machine defined in claim in whichsaid guide means constitutes arod having an angled portion for deflecting the elongated element, saidelongated element passing between one side of said chute and about saidangled portion.

12. The machine defined in claim 11 in which said feed means includes anadditional chute having a channel therein sufficiently wide to receivethe closed portion of said first chute.

13. The machine defined in claim 12 in which the sides of saidadditional chute have inclined slots, said rod having a transverse pinintegral with the lower end thereof receivable in said slots, and thesides of both chutes having registrable holes in the upper portionsthereof for accommodating a removable pin when said holes are aligned.

14. The machine defined in claim 13 in which the sides of said firstchute constitute panels projecting beyond the sides of said additionalchute between which said elongated element passes when moving in itssaid generally vertical direction.

15. A machine for burying an elongated flexible element of indefinitelength beneath the ground, the machine comprising a wheeled frame, firstarm means mounted on said frame for oscillating movement about onetransverse axis, a blade member extending downwardly from said first armmeans, power means for oscillating said first arm means with respect tothe frame to cause said blade member to cut a trench in the ground assaid frame advances thereover, second arm means mounted on said framefor oscillating movement about a second transverse axis rearwardly ofsaid first transverse axis, a feed device extending downwardly from saidsecond arm means via which the elongated element to be buried is fed,and means connecting said second arm means to said first arm means at alocus spaced from said first and second axes, the distance between saidfirst axis and said connection locus being less than the distancebetween said seocnd axis and said connection locus, whereby said feeddevice oscillates at a lesser amplitude than said blade member.

1. A machine for burying an elongated flexible element of indefinitelength beneath the ground, the machine comprising a wheeled frame, ablade Member extending downwardly from said frame, means for oscillatingsaid blade member with respect to the frame to cut a trench in theground as said frame advances thereover, said means for oscillating saidblade member including a pair of side arms pivotally supported adjacenttheir upper ends on a transverse axis provided by said wheeled frame, adevice also extending downwardly from said frame in a trailing relationbehind said blade member via which the elongated element to be buried isfed, and means for also oscillating said feed device as said wheeledframe advances across the ground, said means for oscillating said feeddevice being connected to said arms at a location near said axis toprovide a lesser oscillatory amplitude than that of said blade member assaid blade member and feed device oscillate forwardly and rearwardly. 2.The machine defined in claim 1 in which said means for oscillating saidfeed device includes a pair of auxiliary arms, each auxiliary arm beingpivotally connected at its upper end to one of the main arms.
 3. Themachine defined in claim 2 in which portions of said auxiliary arms arechannel-shaped, and a horizontal pin on each side of the frameprojecting into each channeled portion at a location intermediate theupper ends of said auxiliary arms and the lower ends thereof about whichsaid auxiliary arms are oscillated.
 4. The machine defined in claim 2 inwhich said feed device includes a chute having a rearwardly directedslot, and a guide member removably disposed in said slot for deflectingthe elongated element to be buried downwardly and then horizontally intothe trench formed by said blade member.
 5. The machine defined in claim4 in which the sides of said chute have horizontally aligned upper holesand horizontally aligned lower inclined slots or notches, said guidemember having an upper eye and a lower laterally projecting pin attachedthereto, said feed device further including a removable pin insertablethrough said upper holes and said eye when said lower pin is received insaid slots or notches.
 6. The machine defined in claim 5 in which thelower end of said guide member is curved for deflecting said elongatedelement from a generally vertical direction into a generally horizontaldirection in the trench formed by said blade member.
 7. The machinedefined in claim 2 in which said feed device includes a main chutehaving a rearwardly directed slot, an auxiliary chute removably disposedin said slot having a guide member therein for deflecting the elongatedelement to be buried downwardly into the trench formed by said blademember.
 8. The machine defined in claim 7 in which the sides of saidmain chute have aligned upper holes and horizontally aligned lowerinclined slots or notches, said auxiliary chute having side panelscontaining upper holes alignable with the upper holes of said mainchute, a removable pin insertable through the holes of said main chuteand the holes of said auxiliary chute, a rod member fixedly contained insaid auxiliary chute having its lower end projecting beneath the sidesof said auxiliary chute, and a laterally projecting pin on the lower endof said rod member receivable in said slots or notches.
 9. The machinedefined in claim 8 in which said rod member has a sloping portion fordeflecting said elongated member from a generally vertical directioninto a generally horizontal direction in the trench formed by said blademember.
 10. A machine for burying an elongated flexible element ofindefinite length beneath the ground, the machine comprising a wheeledframe, first oscillating means, a blade member extending downwardly fromsaid first oscillating means, second oscillating means, and a feeddevice also extending downwardly from said said second oscillating meansin a trailing relation behind said blade member, said first and secondoscillating means being mounted for oscillation about spaced transverseaxes, means connecting said second oscillating means to said firstoscillAting means at a location nearer the transverse axis about whichsaid first oscillating means oscillates than the transverse axis aboutwhich said second oscillating means oscillates, said device including achute and guide means in said chute for deflecting the flexible elementfrom a generally vertical direction into a generally horizontaldirection.
 11. The machine defined in claim 10 in which said guide meansconstitutes a rod having an angled portion for deflecting the elongatedelement, said elongated element passing between one side of said chuteand about said angled portion.
 12. The machine defined in claim 11 inwhich said feed means includes an additional chute having a channeltherein sufficiently wide to receive the closed portion of said firstchute.
 13. The machine defined in claim 12 in which the sides of saidadditional chute have inclined slots, said rod having a transverse pinintegral with the lower end thereof receivable in said slots, and thesides of both chutes having registrable holes in the upper portionsthereof for accommodating a removable pin when said holes are aligned.14. The machine defined in claim 13 in which the sides of said firstchute constitute panels projecting beyond the sides of said additionalchute between which said elongated element passes when moving in itssaid generally vertical direction.
 15. A machine for burying anelongated flexible element of indefinite length beneath the ground, themachine comprising a wheeled frame, first arm means mounted on saidframe for oscillating movement about one transverse axis, a blade memberextending downwardly from said first arm means, power means foroscillating said first arm means with respect to the frame to cause saidblade member to cut a trench in the ground as said frame advancesthereover, second arm means mounted on said frame for oscillatingmovement about a second transverse axis rearwardly of said firsttransverse axis, a feed device extending downwardly from said second armmeans via which the elongated element to be buried is fed, and meansconnecting said second arm means to said first arm means at a locusspaced from said first and second axes, the distance between said firstaxis and said connection locus being less than the distance between saidseocnd axis and said connection locus, whereby said feed deviceoscillates at a lesser amplitude than said blade member.